oral-preference learners – OralityTalks

Rethinking the Old Wineskins of “Academic” for the New Wine of Oral and Oral-Preference Learners

Larry W. Caldwell — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:11:33 +0000

For too long, the West has dominated theological education worldwide. This reality is primarily due to the West’s past centuries of colonization of the non-Western world, which has ramifications for theological education even today. In light of this continuing Western theological dominance, it is critical that the “old wineskins” of the Western academy and what it considers to be “academic” be rethought today, especially in light of the new wine of oral and oral-preference learners. This article explores such necessary rethinking in four parts. First, examining the West’s hegemony of what is considered academic today and the implications of this for theological education in the non-Western world. Second, exploring the new concept of “theological intelligence” (TQ) and its implications for other understanding of what is considered academic, especially for more orally-based pedagogical models. Third, looking at how one theological institution—Kairos University—is using Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) to help bridge the gap between readers and non-readers in the academy. Finally, the article concludes with recommendations for theological institutions and educators. It is hoped that this rethinking of what academics is will help theological institutions worldwide better meet the training needs of the Christian constituencies that they serve, including oral and oral-preference learners.

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The Transformative Power of Storytelling

Nerimil Ella Saguin — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 01:36:09 +0000

Discover how a coach with Spoken Worldwide uses storytelling to share the Bible in a way that engages listeners deeply. Through the “Spoken methodology,” she asks questions that invite people to explore God’s Word themselves, connecting with it personally. “I’m not the ‘teacher’ but a storyteller and facilitator,” she explains, emphasizing that storytelling fosters discovery and transformation. By using questions, images, and role-playing, Ella empowers her audiences to experience and share the Gospel naturally.

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Leadership at the Margins in West Africa

OralityTalks — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 01:13:26 +0000

Abstract: In the face of unprecedented challenges in West Africa, the Orality Talks Journal interviews West African leaders (KBM) to understand the church’s struggles amid economic hardships, security threats, and educational disruptions. Despite adversity, some urban churches thrive, but rural areas face security risks and declining literacy. KBM advocates for orality-based theological education, emphasizing narrative teaching, arts, and culturally relevant methods. The interview explores post-COVID possibilities, envisioning a transformative, faith-driven movement to train the next generation of West African leaders.

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Connected Learning: How Adults with Limited Formal Education Learn

Danyal Qalb — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 01:01:27 +0000

Thigpen, L. L. (2020). Connected learning: How adults with limited formal education learn (American Society of Missiology Monograph Book 44). Pickwick Publications. ISBN 978-1-53267-937-7.

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